Discussion Post 02/22

As I entered this class, I had (and still do have) a very broad interest in learning everything I can about Chinese culture. I was also a complete beginner when it came to language learning, so my focus in learning vocabulary has been fairly general as well. I am realizing that I may need to create a little more structure in my learning plan (especially on my own) to prepare for the project. At the same time, I have noticed that I have learned several words describing food or related details (for example, where a restaurant is located). My CET program also offers a class on Chinese Food, Culture, and Identity, which I am hoping to take next semester. When I searched for the relationship between Chinese food and language, I was surprised to find several articles on translating the names of different foods and how they relate to translation theory; I also found multiple articles on the history of food across time and region in China. I would like to complete a project on the ties…

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Language Journal Post 2

I have now had about five weeks of instruction in Mandarin. I have been following the plan set out in my syllabus, and tutoring meetings have been regular every week. I have also created something of a pattern to follow – for the first part of the week, I watch some television and review vocabulary by rewriting and practicing pronunciation for the characters I learned recently, and for the second part, I learn new vocabulary and practice forming sentences and speaking more quickly and “fluently”. I then meet with my tutor on the weekends. As my learning continues, I believe I can expand my practice strategies, and am seeking new ways to do so, but for now, I feel that my system allows me to reinforce topics and accelerate my learning. I have also submitted two cultural posts since my first Language Journal post, and I continue to learn more about Chinese culture during my lessons (especially when I learn about the history of the characters I am introduced to). I am beginning to form a…

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Discussion Post #5

Korean Culture has honorifics and hierarchy. It is used at the end of the sentences to show respect based on age and social position. There are levels at which you speak to people. If they are older, you speak formally. (Age) If they are your boss, you speak to them with respect. (Status) If they are younger, you may speak to them casually. (Relationship) The word “nim” is used out of respect for elders and positions above oneself. Honorific verbs are when speaking to someone you respect. For example, when to eat, may add an honorific, “deusida,” and to be polite, it’s “deuseyo.” Overall, you add “sida” for honorific and “seyo” for politeness. There are also particles to show respect and politeness that are attached to the end of a verb. It is a lot to go over, so currently in my planner, I have to learn politeness since it can be used for everyone, and later on, learn the rest of their linguistic manners. 

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Discussion Post #5

The most interesting thing about learning ASL and about deaf/hard-of-hearing (HOH) culture to me is that like spoken languages, ASL has various dialects that vary across country and region. One of these dialects is the result of historical audism and discrimination that resulted in the combination of ASL with English grammar rules. This form of ASL is majorily used among the older generations. An adiditional dialect presents itself in the form of Black ASL (BASL) which emerged as a direct result of racism and the segregation of deaf/HOH schools. This form of ASL is characterized by a larger signing space, more two-handed signs as well as various non-manual facial indicators not present in ASL. Of course new dialects emerge constantly, especially as the younger generatio coins new terms and phrases and creates signs related to the technological and societal advancements America has experienced since ASL has become a widely-recognized language. So while I will definitely need to expan…

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